A TOWN centre restaurant was evacuated on Tuesday evening after a fire broke out inside. 

Diners and staff had to rush out of Puro Gusto in Gervis Place, off Westover Road in Bournemouth at around 5pm on August 20. 

Smoke was seen pouring out of the building before firefighters arrived at the scene just five minutes after 999 was called. 

The burger restaurant 7Bone, next door, also had to be evacuated, with staff saying smoke damage had spread across to their eatery. 

Three fire engines were seen outside the restaurants, with dozens of firefighters from Westbourne, Redhill and Springbourne all on scene. 

Several firefighters assisted Several firefighters assisted (Image: Daily Echo)

Many watched on as the scenes unfolded Many watched on as the scenes unfolded (Image: Daily Echo)

Three fire engines were seen attendingThree fire engines were seen attending (Image: Daily Echo)

MK, of Helch Market in Gervis Place, said he saw "lots of smoke" coming from the back of the building. 

He said: "Smoke came out of Puro Gusto. The firefighters were here really quickly and have closed off part of the pavement."  

Staff from 7Bone said they believe the fire started in Puro Gusto’s restaurant. 

John Rycroft, of the 7Bone restaurant next door, said: "There's probably smoke damage in our place, come through the gaps and holes in the wall. 

"We imagine a lot of our stock will also be damaged from it. It's a shame for Puro Gusto, they're a family-run business." 

Ava McCarthy, also of 7Bone, added: "The firefighters came here really quickly - within five minutes Westbourne was here. It was really impressive." 

(Image: Daily Echo)

(Image: Daily Echo)

Meanwhile, two policemen were on hand to guide traffic around the parked fire engines. 

Firefighters were seen with breathing apparatus going into the restaurant. Once the fire had been tackled, giant fans were used to air out the damaged restaurant and kitchen.  

It’s understood nobody has been injured in the incident. 

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for more details. 

Family-run Puro Gusto serves authentic Italian meals and seafood. It has only been open for around a year, on June 17, 2023.